By John Dike
A dream of pursuing higher education in Europe has become the subject of a court case in Osun State, following the arraignment of three staff members of a travel agency over an alleged ₦5.687 million visa fraud involving a prospective student seeking admission to a university in Malta.
The defendants, identified as Adeyemo Segun, 36; Osuolale Olabisi, 30; and Ajao Ayodele Samuel, 39, were brought before a Magistrate Court in Osogbo over allegations that they conspired with other persons now at large to obtain money from one Busari Miftaudeen Adekola under false pretences.
The three defendants are staff members of Ufit Fly Limited, a travel agency operating in Osun State.
According to the prosecution, the complainant allegedly parted with ₦5,687,000 in the hope of securing a study visa that would enable him to pursue his academic ambitions at the International European University, Malta Campus.
However, what was presented as an arrangement to facilitate his educational journey abroad has now culminated in criminal proceedings, with the defendants facing allegations of obtaining money under false pretences.
The charge sheet, marked MOS/6169, stated that the alleged offence was committed between September 6 and September 16, 2024.
Police prosecutor, Shaeed Anifowose, told the court that the defendants allegedly acted in concert with other individuals who have yet to be apprehended to obtain the money from the complainant.
The prosecution further alleged that the sum was paid into two bank accounts domiciled with Access Bank and Polaris Bank.
The accounts, numbered 0061590965 and 4091139761, were reportedly registered in the name of Absolute Success Global Travel and Tour Limited.
The alleged offence was said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Volume II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.
When the charge was read to them, however, the defendants pleaded not guilty, setting the stage for the legal battle ahead.
Their counsel, Tunbosun Oladipupo, subsequently approached the court with an application for bail, urging the magistrate to grant his clients bail on liberal terms.
After considering the application, Magistrate Olusegun Ayilara granted bail to the three defendants and adjourned the case until December 14, 2026, for hearing.
The adjournment will provide an opportunity for the case to proceed as the prosecution seeks to establish its allegations against the defendants.
Meanwhile, the circumstances surrounding the alleged transaction, including the roles of the other persons said to be at large and the relationship between Ufit Fly Limited and Absolute Success Global Travel and Tour Limited, may require further clarification as the proceedings continue.
